Camera-equipped cellular telephone

ABSTRACT

Cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities characterized in that the cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities includes a shooting section for shooting a picture, a reclosable lens cover for protecting the shooting lens of the shooting section, detecting means for detecting opening/closing of the lens cover, a memory for storing information on presetting of a plurality of modes where various features are set, and a controller for switching to a preset mode among a plurality of modes stored in the memory on detecting that the lens cover is open. This provides easy-to-use cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities in both the cell phone mode and the camera mode without causing misunderstanding or unnecessary guard on the side of others in photography shooting.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to cell phone apparatus with cameracapabilities, and in particular to cell phone apparatus with cameracapabilities which can register a picture taken with the camera into aRAM or onto an IC card provided on the cell phone apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Recently, cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities(hereinafter referred to as a cell phone with camera capabilities) hasbeen developed which registers a picture taken with the cell phone withcamera capabilities and uses the picture registered as a standby screenin the display section or transmits the picture to another cell phone byusing the cell phone with camera capabilities.

[0003] However, in general, in the cell phone with camera capabilities,the camera lens is always exposed. Even when it is used as a cell phoneand not as a camera, whether it is used as a cell phone or a camera isnot easy to understand by other people.

[0004] Thus, it is possible to shoot others secretly by pretending touse the cell phone with camera capabilities as a cell phone. This maycause others to be cautious unnecessarily or cause misunderstanding ofothers. Thus the cell phone has a problem when it is used as a camera.

[0005] The cell phone with camera capabilities has both a cell phonefeature (cell phone mode) in which the cell phone is used as a cellphone and a camera feature (camera mode) in which the cell phone is usedas a camera. The cell phone with camera capabilities is very effectiveby alternating its modes.

[0006] In case the user of the cell phone with camera capabilities takestime in an attempt to switch from the cell phone mode to the camera modein a complicated way, for example, he/she may miss the perfect momentfor a good picture. It may happen that he/she pressed a wrong operationbutton or actually missed shooting although he/she surely took apicture.

[0007] Further, there is an increasing need to develop a cell phone withcamera capabilities which provides easy-to-understand and convenientprocedure and setting on how to capture a picture taken or handle calloperation for example when an incoming call is indicated while shootingis under way in the camera mode.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the situation, this patent application aims atproviding cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities which assuresconvenient procedure and setting in both a cell phone mode and a cameramode, without causing misunderstanding and unnecessary guard on the sideof others in shooting.

[0009] First, the invention is cell phone apparatus with cameracapabilities characterized in that the cell phone apparatus with cameracapabilities comprises

[0010] a shooting section for shooting a picture,

[0011] a reclosable lens cover for protecting the shooting lens of theshooting section,

[0012] detecting means for detecting opening/closing of the lens cover,

[0013] a memory for storing information on presetting of a plurality ofmodes where various features are set, and

[0014] a controller for switching to a preset mode among a plurality ofmodes stored in the memory on detecting that the lens cover is open.

[0015] By checking opening/closing of the lens cover with his/her owneyes, any user can check whether the cell phone apparatus with cameracapabilities is engaged in shooting. This eliminates misunderstanding orunnecessary guard on the side of others in shooting in the camera mode.

[0016] Second, the controller preferably switches from the cell phonemode to the camera mode on detecting that the lens cover is open, andswitches from the camera mode to the cell phone mode on detecting thatthe lens cover is closed.

[0017] Same as the first aspect of the invention, by checkingopening/closing of the lens cover with his/her own eyes, any user cancheck whether the cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities isengaged in shooting. This eliminates misunderstanding or unnecessaryguard on the side of others in shooting in the camera mode.

[0018] Third, the controller preferably switches from the camera mode tothe cell phone mode on detecting that the lens cover is closed, andswitches from the camera mode to the cell phone mode as well as switchesthe roles of the keys used in the cell phone mode to those of the keysused in the camera mode on detecting that the lens cover is open.

[0019] Fourth, the controller preferably retrieves presence/absence of apicture temporarily stored in the camera mode, and in case the pictureis present, asks the user whether this picture needs registration andissues an instruction for the user to register of erase the temporarystored picture data via choice of the user.

[0020] This allows a quick response to an incoming call even whileshooting is under way in the camera mode and storage/registration of apicture taken already shot when the cell phone mode is entered, afterthe call is terminated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of showing the electric configuration ofa cell phone with camera capabilities according to an embodiment of theinvention;

[0022]FIG. 2A shows a rear view of the cell phone with cameracapabilities according to this embodiment with the lens cover closed;

[0023]FIG. 2B is a rear view of the cell phone with camera capabilitiesaccording to this embodiment with the lens cover open;

[0024]FIG. 3A is a front view of the cell phone with camera capabilitiesaccording to this embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 3B is a side view of the cell phone with camera capabilitiesaccording to this embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cell phone withcamera capabilities according to this embodiment;

[0027] In the figures, a numeral 1 represents a cell phone with cameracapabilities, 10 an enclosure, 11 an audio codec, 12 a channel codec, 13an SWIC, 14 a diversity antenna, 15 a display, 16 an operating section,16A and 16C shutter keys, 16B and 16D cancel keys, 2 a mouthpiecesection, 21 a microphone, 22 a modulating section, 23 a transmittingsection, 3 an earpiece section, 31 a receiving section, 32 ademodulating section, 33 a receiver, 34 a speaker, 4 a shooting section,41 a lens cover, 41A a confirmation window, 42 an imaging lens, 43 ashooting element, 5 a detecting section (detecting means), 1 a lamp, 7 amemory, 8 a controller, and 9 a power source.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0028] An embodiment of the invention will be described in detailreferring to the attached drawings.

[0029]FIG. 1 shows a cell phone with camera capabilities to which thecell phone apparatus with camera capabilities of the invention isapplied. The cell phone with camera capabilities 1 according to thisembodiment comprises a display 15, an operating section 16, a mouthpiecesection 2, an earpiece section 3, as well as a shooting section 4, alens cover 41 provided on the shooting section 4, a detecting section(detecting means) 5, a lamp 6, a memory 7, a controller 8, and a powersource 9.

[0030] On the display 15 is displayed an ordinary cell phone standbyscreen in case the cell phone with camera capabilities is set to thecell phone mode. In case it is set to the camera mode, a picture to betaken with the camera and a temporarily stored picture may be displayed.On the display 15 is also displayed an inquiry about whether thetemporarily stored picture is to be registered or erased.

[0031] Setting is allowed where pictures already taken are retrieved anddisplayed or pictures taken are displayed in the order they are taken insetting the camera mode. A picture displayed on the display is in theordinary portrait orientation (the longitudinal direction of theenclosure 10 is arranged in vertical direction). In the camera mode, asshown in FIG. 3A, screen display in landscape orientation (thetransverse direction of the enclosure 10 is arranged in verticaldirection) is allowed.

[0032] On the operating section 16 are provided keys and buttons usedfor operation as an ordinary cell phone in setting of the cell phonemode, as shown in FIG. 3. The specific keys 16A, 16B serve as a shutterkey and a cancellation key for canceling a temporarily stored picturerespectively in setting of the camera mode. The shutter key 16A and thecancellation key 16B are mainly used to take a picture of the userhimself/herself.

[0033] The dedicated shutter keys 16C and the dedicated cancellation key16D are respectively provided on the sides of the enclosure 10 of thecell phone and mainly used to shoot the front scenery with the cameraplaced in landscape orientation. Which of the shutter key 16A, thecancellation key 16B, as well as the shutter key 16C and thecancellation key 16D will be used may be chosen at command depending onwhich keys are easier to use.

[0034] In the mouthpiece section 2, for example a voice of the userissued from a capacitor microphone 21 is converted to a sound signal viathe microphone 21, output to the transmitting section 23 via the channelcodec 12 and the modulating section 22, then transmitted on the SWIC 13to a distant party from the diversity antenna 14.

[0035] The earpiece section 3, receiving a transmit signal from thedistant party on the receiving section 31 by way of the SWIC 13 via thediversity antenna 14, hears the sound of the distant party from thereceiver 33 and the speaker 34 via the demodulating section 32 and thechannel codec 12 and the audio codec 11.

[0036] The shooting section 4, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises an imaginglens 42 at the rear face opposite to the front face where the display 15and the operating section 16 are provided. A picture taken is imagedonto a shooting element 43 such as a CCD via the imaging lens 42. In theshooting section 4 of this embodiment, by pressing one of the shutterkeys 16A and 16C again after pressing one of the shutter keys 16A and16C, a picture taken is stored into the memory 7.

[0037] The shooting section 4 comprises a lens cover 41 for exposing orcovering the imaging lens 42 in order to protect the imaging lens 42externally and to notify a third party such as a subject of shootingincluding other people in the neighborhood that the cell phone is in thestate where shooting is in progress or possible (camera mode).

[0038] While the shutter key 16A or 16C is pressed twice to register apicture taken into the memory 7 in this embodiment, for example, theshutter key 16A or 16C may be pressed once to temporarily store thepicture taken, then the shutter key 16A or 16C may be pressed again toregister the picture.

[0039] The lens cover 41 manually slides in parallel with thelongitudinal direction of the enclosure 10 (in vertical direction inFIG. 2). The lens cover 41 and the enclosure 10 are provided with thedetecting section 5 for detecting via a magnetic sensor the open/closestate when the lens cover 41 is moved to a predetermined close positionor a predetermined open position and outputting a detection signal tothe controller 8.

[0040] The memory 7 is used to register a picture taken on the shootingsection 4. While the memory 7 registers only still pictures using thecontroller 8 in this embodiment, the memory 7 may register movingpictures as well. A plurality of modes to be set by the user areregistered and stored into the memory 7 in both the cell phone mode andthe camera mode. In this embodiment, for example, the four auxiliarymodes (hereinafter referred to as four mode types) are stored andregistered:

[0041] (I) Camera Mode and Call-Origination/Termination-Inhibited (Outof Coverage) Mode (Hereinafter Referred to as the First Mode)

[0042] <Call Termination>

[0043] Call termination is not permitted and the cell phone stays in thecamera mode because of the setting of call-termination-inhibited.

[0044] <Call Origination>

[0045] The cell phone does not enter the cell phone mode with the keyoperation on the operating section 16. A call may be originated in thecell phone mode with the lens cover 41 closed.

[0046] (II) Camera Mode and Call-Termination-Inhibited (Camera Only)Mode (Hereinafter Referred to as the Second Mode)

[0047] <Call Termination>

[0048] Call termination is not permitted and the cell phone stays in thecamera mode because of the setting of call-termination-inhibited.

[0049] <Call Origination>

[0050] (1) Numeric key operation or retrieval of a telephone numberautomatically places the cell phone in the cell phone mode (the lenscover 41 stays open).

[0051] (2) Pressing the cancellation key or termination of a callautomatically restores the cell phone to the camera mode.

[0052] (3) When the camera mode is entered, whether there is atemporarily stored picture is detected.

[0053] (4) A screen is displayed to inquire about whether to registerthe temporarily stored picture into the memory 7.

[0054] (5) Key operation of the user chooses whether to register thetemporarily stored picture into the memory 7 or erase the picture.

[0055] (III) Camera Mode and Manner Mode (Hereinafter Referred to as theThird Mode)

[0056] <Call Termination>

[0057] (1) The cell phone stays in the camera mode, without entering thecell phone mode, even when there is an incoming call.

[0058] (2) Pressing the cancellation key or termination of a callautomatically restores the cell phone to the camera mode.

[0059] (3) When the camera mode is entered, whether there is atemporarily stored picture is detected

[0060] (4) A guidance to prompt the distant party to record a message isautomatically provided.

[0061] (5) The message of the distant party is registered into thememory 7.

[0062] <Call Origination>

[0063] Same as the call-termination-inhibited mode.

[0064] (IV) Camera Mode and Ordinary Mode (Hereinafter Referred to asthe Fourth Mode)

[0065] <Call Termination>

[0066] (1) The cell phone automatically enters the cell phone on callterminating. Pressing the termination button allows the user to beengaged in the call (the lens cover 41 stays open)

[0067] (2) Termination of a call automatically restores the cell phoneto the camera mode.

[0068] (3) When the camera mode is entered, whether there is atemporarily stored picture is detected.

[0069] (4) A screen is displayed to inquire about whether to registerthe temporarily stored picture into the memory 7.

[0070] (5) Key operation of the user chooses whether to register thetemporarily stored picture into the memory 7 or erase the picture.

[0071] <Call Origination>

[0072] Same as the call-termination-inhibited mode.

[0073] The controller 8 automatically switches over the preset modesdepending on the opening/closing of the lens cover 41. For example, whenthe detecting section 5 has detected that the lens cover 41 is open, thecell phone enters the camera mode. In the camera mode, usually, unlessthe user does not choose another mode, the cell phone is controlled tochoose a mode preset in advance among the four mode types stored in thememory 7.

[0074] Similarly, the controller 8, when the detecting section 5 hasdetected that the lens cover 41 is closed, places the cell phone in thecell phone mode. In the cell phone mode, same as the camera mode, thecell phone is controlled to choose a mode preset in advance among thefour mode types stored in the memory 7. In case a preset mode is notspecified, the ordinary mode is chosen.

[0075] The controller 8, when the lens cover 41 is open and the cellphone has entered the camera mode, switches the roles (features) of thekeys used in the cell phone mode to those of the keys used in the cameramode. When the lens cover is closed and the cell phone has entered thecell phone mode, the controller 8 chooses the roles (features) of thekeys used in the cell phone mode.

[0076] The controller 8 retrieves presence/absence of a picturetemporarily stored in the camera mode, and in case there is atemporarily stored picture, displays a screen to inquire about whetherto register the temporarily stored picture on the display 15 and issuesan instruction for the user to register or erase the temporarily storedpicture data through section by the user on the screen.

[0077] The controller 8, in case the third or fourth mode of the fourmode types is preset, when there is an incoming call from a third partywith a picture taken being temporarily stored, interrupts shootingoperation and performs call processing preferentially and temporarily.

[0078] The modes of the cell phone in this embodiment will be described.

[0079] (A) Camera Mode:

[0080] In the camera mode, when the user opens the lens cover 41 withhis/her hands, that event is detected by the detecting section 5 and thecontroller 8 sets the camera mode. When the enclosure 10 and the lens 42are oriented toward the object of shooting, the target picture isdisplayed on the display 15. When the user presses the shutter button16B, a desired picture is taken and the picture may be registered intothe memory 7.

[0081] (B) Cell Phone Mode:

[0082] In the cell phone mode, when the user closes the lens cover 41,that event is detected by the detecting section 5 and the controller 8sets the keys and buttons on the operating section 16 to the featuresused in the ordinary cell phone operation. The user may use the cellphone as a cell phone by operating the keys and buttons on the operatingsection 16.

[0083] The operation of the cell phone in this embodiment will bedescribed referring to the flowchart of FIG. 4.

[0084] In this example, modes to be automatically chosen in the cellphone mode and the camera mode among the first through fourth modes arechosen as required in advance and registered by using the mode settingkey on the operating section 16.

[0085] Mode presetting is made as mentioned earlier (step S1) The modepresetting is allowed anytime irrespective of the opening or closing ofthe lens cover 41. In this state, it is determined whether the lenscover 41 is open or closed (step S2). In case the lens cover 41 is open,the cell phone enters the camera mode and execution proceeds to step S10and the subsequent steps. In case the lens cover 41 is closed, the cellphone enters the cell phone mode and execution proceeds to step S21 andthe subsequent steps.

[0086] The camera mode refers to a state where specific keys areoperational as necessary keys for a camera and the camera feature isactive. In this state, the user cannot release the shutter.

[0087] The shutter keys 16A, 16C are push keys of a two-stage type. Inthe first stage, a picture is temporarily stored, that is, a movingpicture taken with the camera is temporarily stored as a still pictureat the moment into a register. In the second stage, the temporarilystored picture is formally registered and stored into the memory 7.Pressing the shutter key into the first and second stages in a rowaccelerates the operation, thus finally registering and storing theformal picture at the moment into the memory 7.

[0088] When the cell phone is in the camera mode in step S10, it isdetermined whether there is a temporarily stored picture (step S11). Incase there is not a temporarily stored picture, execution proceeds tostep S15 to allow shooting with a camera, that is, releasing the shutterto perform photography shooting. In case there is a temporarily storedpicture, a screen appears to inquire about whether to store the picture,and it is determined whether the picture is to be stored (step S12).

[0089] When the user chooses to store the picture according to thescreen to inquire whether to store the picture, the temporarily storedpicture is stored into the memory (step S13) thus placing the cell phonein the shooting-ready state in step S15. On the other hand, when theuser does not choose to store the picture, the temporarily storedpicture is erased (step 14), then placing the cell phone in theshooting-ready state. It is possible to quit the screen without erasingthe temporarily stored picture after choosing not to store the picture.In case the shutter is operated for photography shooting and thepictures taken at the moment are temporarily stored, the picturesalready in the memory are erased in the chronological order they arestored. The number of pictures to be temporarily stored is in generalone. This is sufficient but it is also possible to temporarily store aplurality of pictures and erase and overwrite the pictures in thechronological order.

[0090] When the cell phone is in the shooting-ready state in step S15,it is determined which auxiliary mode has been preset (step S16), thenone of the steps S17 through S20 is followed. In this embodiment, thecell phone feature operates in the four states depending on the modepresetting even in the shooting-ready state. The cell phone featurepreferentially operates in one of the four modes, first to four modesdescribed below, depending on the preset mode.

[0091] First Mode (Step S17)

[0092] Both call origination and call termination are inhibited. In thisstate, the telephone feature is not available at all. An incoming callis neglected and an attempt to originate a call is rejected. When theuser wishes to activate the telephone feature, he/she must presetanother mode or close the lens cover 41.

[0093] Second Mode (Step S18)

[0094] Call origination is permitted while call termination isinhibited. The user can originate a call by operating a ten-key pad withan arbitrary timing. Shooting with a camera is available whileconversation is in progress and the user can transmit a picture taken tothe distant party in the meantime. It is possible to inhibit shootingwhile conversation is in progress and place the cell phone in theshooting-ready state after the call is over.

[0095] Third Mode (Step S19)

[0096] Call origination is permitted. Call termination is permitted onlyin the manner mode. Call origination is available by operating theten-keypad, same as the second mode. The manner mode refers to a modewhere a ringing tone is silenced in general and a vibrator is usedinstead to signal call termination. Various settings are available, suchas conversation through lower voice with the microphone sensitivityincreased or a so-called phone-answering machine feature whereby leavingthe incoming call unanswered transmits a recorded announcement to promptthe caller to leave a message. Same as the second mode, shooting with acamera is available while conversation is in progress.

[0097] Fourth Mode (Step S20)

[0098] Both call origination and call termination are possible. Callorigination and call termination are given priority over photographyshooting in progress. Same as the second mode and the third mode,shooting with a camera is available and the user can transmit a picturetaken to the distant party while conversation is in progress.

[0099] Operation of call termination is similar to that of callorigination. A ringing tone sounds on call termination. The useroperates an off-hook key to answer the incoming call and is engaged inthe call. The user can transmit a picture taken to the distant partywhile conversation is in progress. It is possible to inhibit shootingwhile conversation is in progress and place the cell phone in theshooting-ready state after the call is over. Any operation is acceptedas long as the cell phone is placed is the shooting-ready state when acall is over and the telephone line is released.

[0100] In case the lens cover 41 is closed in step S2, executionproceeds to step S21 to place the cell phone in the cell phone modewhere the camera feature is inactive. In this practice, it is determinedwhether the lens cover 41 has changed from the open state to the closedstate, that is, whether the lens cover 41 was open before it was closed(step S22). In case it was open before it was closed, there could be atemporarily stored picture. Thus, it is determined whether there remainsa temporarily stored picture (step S23).

[0101] In case such a temporarily stored picture is found, a screenappears to inquire about whether to store the temporarily stored pictureand the user determines whether to store the picture (step S24). Whenthe user has chosen to store the picture according to the screen toinquire whether to store the picture, the temporarily stored picture isstored into the memory (step S25). When the user has chosen not to storethe picture, the temporarily stored picture is erased (step S26).Finally, the cell phone enters the state in step S27 where both callorigination and call termination are permitted. In this state, it isalso possible to allow pictures registered in the memory to be read outand transmitted to the distant party while conversation is in progressalthough the camera is not operational.

[0102] In the aforementioned procedure, if wishing to change modes, theuser can follow the mode presetting step to change the preset mode atany time. The user can arbitrarily choose between the camera mode andthe cell phone mode by opening or closing the lens cover 41 as required.

[0103] While execution returns to step S27 after following steps S25 andS26 to allow call origination and call termination in FIG. 4, executionmay proceed to step S16 and then one of the steps S17, S18, S19 and S20depending on the mode preset in step S1.

[0104] While the invention has been described in detail and referring toits specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications can be made in it without departingfrom the spirit and scope thereof.

[0105] This patent application is based on the Japanese PatentApplication No. 2001-232287 filed Jul. 31, 2001, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0106] As mentioned hereinabove, the invention provides cell phoneapparatus with camera capabilities comprising a shooting section, areclosable lens cover for protecting the shooting lens, detecting meansfor detecting opening/closing of the lens cover, and a controller forswitching to a preset mode among a plurality of modes on detecting thatthe lens cover is open. The cell phone apparatus with cameracapabilities performs photography shooting with this lens cover open.Other people see the open lens cover and recognize that photographyshooting is under way. This eliminates misunderstanding such as beingphotographed secretly or unnecessary guard on the side of others inshooting in the camera mode.

[0107] According to the invention, it is possible to suspend shootingand answer an incoming call even when the call is terminated and thecell phone apparatus with camera capabilities is rung. Also, it ispossible to concentrate on registration of a picture taken in thesuspended shooting, after the call is over, with sufficient lead time,without being prodded by ringing. Thus it is possible to provideeasy-to-use cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities in both thecell phone mode and the camera mode.

1. Cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities characterized in thatthe cell phone apparatus with camera capabilities comprises a shootingsection for shooting a picture, a reclosable lens cover for protectingthe shooting lens of the shooting section, detecting means for detectingopening/closing of the lens cover, a memory for storing information onpresetting of a plurality of modes where various features are set, and acontroller for switching to a preset mode among a plurality of modesstored in the memory on detecting that the lens cover is open.
 2. Cellphone apparatus with camera capabilities according to claim 1,characterized in that the controller switches from the cell phone modeto the camera mode on detecting that the lens cover is open, andswitches from the camera mode to the cell phone mode on detecting thatthe lens cover is closed.
 3. Cell phone apparatus with cameracapabilities according to claim 1, characterized in that the controllerswitches from the camera mode to the cell phone mode on detecting thatthe lens cover is closed, and switches from the camera mode to the cellphone mode as well as switches the roles of the keys used in the cellphone mode to those of the keys used in the camera mode on detectingthat the lens cover is open.
 4. Cell phone apparatus with cameracapabilities according to any one of claims 1 through 3, characterizedin that the controller retrieves presence/absence of a picturetemporarily stored in the camera mode, and in case the picture ispresent, asks the user whether this picture needs registration andissues an instruction for the user to register or erase the temporarystored picture data via choice of the user.